The final Scrutiny Committee meeting of the municipal year focused on reviewing progress in maternity services and addressing workforce shortages in healthcare. The meeting also touched on mental health services, although detailed discussions were deferred due to the absence of a key report and presenter.

1. Maternity Services Review: The committee heard from various health officials about improvements and ongoing challenges in maternity services at the Royal London Hospital. Discussions highlighted efforts to enhance cultural sensitivity, improve patient experiences, and address staff shortages. The implications are significant for local healthcare quality and accessibility, particularly for minority communities.

2. Workforce Shortages in Healthcare: The intended discussion on workforce shortages was hindered by the absence of the main presenter. The committee expressed frustration over this and decided to seek a written update to better understand the situation. This decision underscores the committee's commitment to addressing critical staffing issues within the healthcare sector.

3. Deferral of Mental Health Services Discussion: The absence of a prepared report led to the postponement of a planned discussion on mental health priorities. This decision, made without prior consultation with the chair, sparked a reminder about procedural protocols for agenda changes. The delay in addressing mental health issues could impact service delivery and planning.

Surprisingly, the meeting also included a farewell to a longstanding committee member, highlighting the personal dynamics and changes within the committee. The session underscored the committee's ongoing challenges with coordination and information flow, which are crucial for effective governance and scrutiny. The meeting focused on the progress of an action plan addressing workforce shortages and health care in collaboration with the Integrated Care Board (ICB) partners and council officers. The main topics were maternity services and mental health services for the next year. The meeting also included discussions on the departure of committee member Nicola Lawrence and the introduction of her successor, Jessica Chaney.

1. Maternity Services:

   • Overview: North East London has the highest birth rate in the UK, with Bart's Health and its sister units at Whipps Cross and Newham providing a significant portion of maternity care. The Royal London Hospital sees 5,000 women and babies annually.
   • Services Offered: Options include labor wards with doctors and midwives, the Lotus Birth Centre (midwife-led), and a home birth service. Specialized services include maternal medicine, fetal medicine, and a diabetes clinic.
   • Improvement Plans: The hospital is working through a three-year maternity delivery plan aimed at improving care standards, culture, and listening to women and their families.
   • Patient Experience and Equity: Efforts include translating the online booking system into 100 languages, improving referral timeliness, and community engagement sessions. Specific programs target high-risk groups, such as Black, Asian, and mixed ethnic origin women.
   • Staffing and Training: Recent recruitment includes 38 new midwives. The hospital is partnering with the University of East London to create a pipeline of local midwives. Professional development and recognition programs are in place.
   • Home Births: The hospital has a dedicated home birth team. In case of complications, there are protocols for emergency transfers.
   • CQC Inspection: The hospital is addressing issues raised in a 2022 CQC inspection, focusing on staffing, training, and infection control. An improvement plan is in place, monitored through a new Matineo Committee.
   • Community Engagement: Efforts include working with the Somali community and other ethnic groups to improve access and care. The hospital is also addressing FGM (Female Genital Mutilation) through sensitive inquiry and education.

2. Mental Health Services:

   • The committee expressed disappointment that the mental health priority item was removed from the agenda without consultation. The reason given was that the report was not ready.

3. Committee Member Changes:

   • Nicola Lawrence is stepping down, and Jessica Chaney will take over her role in the next municipal meetings.

4. Action Plan and Workforce Shortages:

   • The presenter for this item was absent due to illness, and no replacement was available. The committee decided to follow up with the NHS and council officers for updates.

5. Other Business:

   • The committee discussed the importance of disability access to sports and exercise, with recommendations for improving representation, data collection, communication, and collaboration with healthcare partners.

The meeting concluded with acknowledgments and thanks to the committee members and officers for their contributions over the past years.